I paralleled her words with the art of photography. For, although a landscape photo gives a breathtaking view, a limited focal point of a macro (close-up) photo reveals a richness in the fine details.

As a Type Seven on The Ennegram I’m apt to be scattered and miss the details, my mind wandering out of the present. It’s constant work for me to stay focused, so I use tools such as lists in my day timer to help complete tasks, and leaving my phone at home or in the car when socializing.

Just moments ago a work colleague pointed out I wrote the wrong first name on an order.

And the brain chatter starts. “What is wrong with me?”

This week my eldest sister corrected me on my pronunciation of “pseudonym” and reminded me I tend to mispronounce other words as well.

What is wrong with me?

And on the same day I mixed up Edgar Allen Poe and Alfred Hitchcock.

What is wrong with me? Not smart enough…well-read enough…out-going enough…

However, being on the other side of 50 years, I have learned how to zoom out of the chatter quicker and into the larger perspective that all of us have our strengths, weaknesses, and all of us have places to grow, learn.

I may always be better at the spelling of words than a speaker, although I will keep working on learning the fine, rich details of pronunciation.

I may always have to look deeper into the details before commenting on literary authors and classic movies. Or take the chance to comment, and learn from my mistakes.

Regardless, that mind chatter–what is wrong with me–is like a cloud appearing in a breathtaking landscape. It will evaporate and disappear.

For the truth is, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you.

“We begin to find and become ourselves when we notice how we are already found, already truly, entirely, wildly, messily, marvellously who we were born to be.”
― Anne Lamott

(And just in-case you may not know, Edgar Allen Poe wrote Tell Tale Heart, and Alfred Hitchcock directed the 1960’s film, Psycho)

I love your breath-taking photos, Lynn. And your words make me feel less alone. My brain often chatters that “What’s wrong with me?” chant, too. I love Anne Lamont’s quote! Also the quote of the book you recommended at Good Reads by Steven Furtick – “I’m learning how to overpower the shouts of the Enemy by bending my ear to the whisper of God’s supernatural truths about my identity in Him and His strength in me.” Thank you for breathing hope into my spirit today! Love and blessings to you!

I’ve read a few of Anne Lamont’s books and currently have her book Bird by Bird on the go (but have another book from the library I need to finish first now), and recommend it for writers. May your ear to bending to those whispers of the truth of who you are Trudy! hugs!

I’m glad the photos bring a breathless moment to you Linda! That’s my hope…to bring a Breathing Space even if it’s just on a screen, to others so they work from a refreshing mind, heart & soul, as they go about their day.

Oh, Lynn. Your photos! Gorgeous! And that mind chatter? Yeah, I’ve been there, too. Like you, I’m learning to zoom out from it and let it dissipate into the bigger picture of who God created me to be. And the quote by Ann Lamott? Loved it. Thank you for sharing it!

Thank you for always sharing your heart here with us! I sure know what it feels like to hear those pesky voices! Chronic illness has accentuated those taunts that used to simmer underneath the surface, and brought them more loudly to the front. But you are so right, God has always loved us, and created us with HIS beauty. And He has given so much beauty! Thank you for the gorgeous photos that lift our eyes to the beauty He has planned all around us. Blessings to you!

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